By Stefan Acevski / info@eurohoops.net
A close game at the Roig Arena saw Valencia Basket take a 1-0 lead (83-80) against a Surne Bilbao team that led for much of the match.
Jean Montero (17 points), Braxton Key (17 points, 6 rebounds), and Jaime Pradilla (15 points) led the comeback at home.
For Surne Bilbao, in outstanding minutes, Hlinason (12 points, 8 rebounds) and Harald Frey (12 points) stood out with 14 triples for their team in the Taronja house.
Surne Bilbao generally dominated: Surne Bilbao started without any pressure, with nothing to lose, going on a 2-10 run. It had to be Montero, well supported by Reuvers and Key, who calmed Pedro Martínez’s team to react by the end of the first quarter (18-19).
Ponsarnau’s team continued excelling from outside with Hilliard and Frey, and Valencia couldn’t impose their rhythm. ‘Larry’ and a Cárdenas, who seems to have been wearing orange all season, provided the necessary leadership to respond once more to the Basque offensive surge. The 35-35 score at halftime seemed the best news for the locals.
Valencia stepped on the gas, aware of how difficult it is to secure a good margin in these types of games (45-41). The reaction from Surne Bilbao, once again, was outstanding. A 4-18 run put Ponsarnau’s team up by 10 (49-59), perfect for silencing the Roig Arena. The baskets kept coming from the visiting side to close out a brilliant third quarter (55-62).
Valencia Basket missed one three-pointer after another, desperate to score and without any clear ideas. With a +13 for the ‘men in black’, Pedro Martínez was desperate on the sidelines (62-75). The chaotic game didn’t suit home team, and Bilbao’s outside shooting was superb.
It was Montero, relying on pure talent, who led his team’s fireworks minutes with a 14-0 run (76-75). The basket seemed closed for Ponsarnau’s side, who were guilty of anxiety in transitions and set plays. Jaworski made it 76-78, but Reuvers responded (79-78) and was a key figure in the final seconds.
Finally, with suspense in the air, Valencia takes a 1-0 lead in the series with an 83-80 victory. On Friday, Bilbao will witness a true battle.
Liga Endesa Playoffs
(1) Real Madrid 0 – 1 La Laguna Tenerife (8) (97-98)
(4) UCAM Murcia 0 – 1 Barça (5) (68-91)
(2) Valencia Basket 1 – 0 Surne Bilbao (7) (83-80)
(3) Kosner Baskonia – Asisa Joventut (6)
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